Head gasket and engine problem. Car started off having coolant leak and progressively got worse and is now inoperable. It has been inoperable since september 2008. There are a number of forums that describe this same issue so it is well known within the lr organization. I do not have $3500 to replace my engine nor cover the additional $3k for labor to have it installed. Since lr knowingly manufactured this defective engine (made out of aluminum and iron cast which are not compatible), they should be liable for replacing this engine.
2003 Land Rover Freelander engine complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 91, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Poor mechanical design on 2003 freelander land rover with 75,000 miles leading to numerous mechanical failures. Low mileage (40,000 to 70,000) failure of vehicle components including: brakes (twice), fuel pump, and water pump. Over $5,000 in repairs. Engine now leaking coolant indicating head gasket and eventual engine failure.
In july 2004 I purchased a 2003 land rover freelander hse with 25k miles. In the four and a half years of owning the vehicle we have had numerous problems. The sunroof failed twice and repaired under warranty and has since broke again. Three of the four window regulators have failed (2 fixed under warranty). I have just replaced the fuel pump @ 95k miles. Had to repair myself because the nearest dealer is 120 miles away and nobody else would work on it. Now it seems the head gasket or who knows what else has failed. We have to put a gallon of water in per week. Land rover has discontinued the sale of the freelander in the us. This does not surprise me because of all the complaints due to the overall poor quality of a "luxury SUV".
My car has endless problems in every aspect!! Anyone that owns one are having the same issues and nobody can seem to fix it, nor can I get parts to fix it, and the parts you do get to repair the vehicle break faster than the original parts on the car !! My engine has not failed yet but my transmission has and the dealer ship wont fix it and said there is nothing wrong with it !! Iv paid more money fixing the car than I have for the car !! I can't go more than 1000 miles before something else breaks !! I have owned the car for about 18 months and its been in the shop for about 12 of those 18 months !! Everyone that has one of these landrover freelanders has the same issues and nobody can get parts for this car ! Nothing works right and nothing runs like it should and even the mechanics at the dealer ship will take you aside and tell you get rid of it while you still can !!! I cant and neither can allot of others like me because of the money they have put into the car just to keep it on the road !! This car has left me and my 20 month old son stranded in the middle of nowhere on more than three or four or five occasions !! I lost track of how many times !! And when something goes wrong with this car your stuck wherever your at !! Its not safe to walk down a freeway with a baby at any time during the day or night and that's exactly what iv had to do on many different occasions !! This is not a safe car by any means ! When my fuel pump went out my car just died at 60 miles an hour on the highway and nearly caused an accident with me and many other cars and I thank the good lord nothing happened when the car died and it felt like someone was slamming on the brakes !! This car is a safety hazard in the worst way !! Kids should not be allowed too ride in this car do too the fact they might get hit by a car when it dies and leaves you on the freeway or anywhere else your at !! I don't let my son in this car unless its absolutely necessary !! I'll borrow my moms car just to go to the store with him !!
I am the original owner of a 2003 land rover freelander. I have always followed all of the factory service maintenance intervals and have all of the service records for this well-maintained vehicle. Although the vehicle has only 63,000 miles on it, I recently had to take it in twice for service at the land rover of fort lauderdale dealership where I purchased it in december, 2004. I was shocked to learn from my service advisor, jesse robinson, that the vehicle needed a "head gasket and possibly a new engine." he explained to me that coolant was leaking into the engine's cylinders, and that it was only a matter of time before the engine would stop working and be worthless. He told me that changing the head gasket would not solve the problem anyway, that it is the result of a severe engineering flaw that the land rover corporation has been aware of for several years. It seems that the engine block, while made of aluminum, has cylinder sleeves that are made of steel. Since metals expand with heat and different metals have major differences in their metallurgic properties, what eventually happens is that the sleeves disjoin from the engine block and begin to slip and slide in place, something no engine should do regardless of the mileage on it. Once the sleeves move, they bend and soon after break the head gasket, which allows coolant to enter the cylinders, which causes the engine to run very erratically until it stops running altogether. Changing the head gasket, therefore, doesn't fix the problem, and even replacing the engine isn't possible. The manufacturer that once built and supplied them for land rover went out of business, and what few engines are available are only released to those who bought the factory extended warranty. I have since discovered that there are thousands of very similar cases out there, that anyone with the 2002 to 2005 model experiences the same problems once their vehicles reach 40,000 to 70,000 miles (please see edmunds.com).
2003 land rover freelander engine overheating. Consumer has issues with land rover fixing the vehicle that is no longer under warranty. *nj the consumer was informed that the engine had seized. It was a known defect in the engine, which caused the coolant to disappear and the engine to overheat. The consumer stated the vehicle never showed any signs of a problem. *jb updated 03/01/10.
Our lr first started overheating, taking about 10 to 15 minutes to cool down and when checked the coolant would be empty. I was then constantly having to fill it with coolant. I had it in to the shop 3 times for this same problem when after the second time they apparently fixed it so well they caused the coolant to leak into the engine and that caused the traction control to go out and then they said that was because the engine was now gone. Although we did actually drive it into carmax who then drove it to land rover. Land rover said the engine was shot and would need a new one. Our freelander sat for 9 months with no new engine in sight. Although, warranty money was waiting to pay for it. Land rover took no responsibility in this and kept telling us and carmax that an engine was being reconfigured and would arrive in march, no july, then don't know when. Finally carmax paid the freelander off for us and we bought something else. Land rover had also taken the old engine or the complete guts of the vehicle and laid the back seats down and threw the guts in the passenger part of the vehicle and left the car sitting unlocked on their lot for I don't know how long. We found it this way on a very hot summer day. Land rover doesn't care about their customers and doesn't do anything to help this situation. My understanding is that this is the fate for all freelanders not just mine.
2003 freelander with 76k miles began having cooling system leaks immed. After new fuel pump and air conditioning fan. I filled the system, ran the car for 30 minutes in the driveway without incident, and told my wife the car needed to r/t to the dealer.(ventura) my wife and 2 kids were abruptly greeted with an explosion of the cooling system leaving them in heavy traffic in a left-hand turn lane. The car shut down immediately. After a tow to the dealer on a sunday afternoon they were invited to look at new models while they waited for a taxi to take them for a rental. My first report from the dealer rep. Was that we probably needed a new engine at a cost of 12k so we might consider trading it in for a new model. I must add that after the fuel pump and fan repair I found the air intake disconnected and told the rep. About this during my visit to him regarding this new issue and his response was "I don't see how because they don't even have to lift the hood to make those repairs." after three days of investigation we were told our thermostat and housing were replaced for $600 but we needed timing belts because they could now be heard slapping. I am fairly mechanically knowledgeable, and all of these events point straight to poor product and inept service. Coincidentally, I also found a rubber tube about 4" long sitting on top of my engine after just coming from the mechanic's bay. I have since traded the car in for another brand and will never buy another land rover anything ever again!
My 2003 land rover freelander broke down on the highway. Took it to scott motors of reno (the land rover dealer in reno), found out that it needs a new engine. I have an extended warranty through fidelity warranty, they are refusing to pay for it, saying that there is sludge in the engine. I have given them my maintenance records, the car was maintained regularly. Land rover of reno has had my car for 5 months while I have been trying to get someone to honor my warranty. I bought the car from internet auto of reno they are willing to reimburse me for my warranty of $2540. The cost to fix replace the engine is $7250, for the same engine. I have been told that there is no way to prevent this from happening again. I have been making payments on this car and still owe more on it than it is worth. So far no one is willing to pay for the repairs, the cost to replace the engine is as much as the car is worth, land rove knows of this problem, and fidelity warranty is not honoring their contract.
Purchased pre-owned 2003 landrover freelander may 07 and two weeks later check engine soon light came on intermittently. Car was taken to dealership and they said computer showed up nothing. Two weeks later light came on for several days. Was taken back to dealership and they replaced coil wire. Two weeks later happened again and they replaced coil pack. Happened again two months later and local mechanic changed head under the coil pack and car ran good. One month later the car ran hot, was towed to dealership once again and they replaced "something" (the guy I purchased the car from took care of the bill) fast forward ahead 5 months and the valves started clicking. Oil was changed and lucas oil added. Car ran fine for approximately two weeks and then my 16 year old daughter (whom the car was purchased for) got in it from her summer job from the local ball stadium and it would not crank. The car was towed to a garage and he tells me that one of the timing belts broke and warped the cams and a new engine was needed. He said he had all kinds of reports stated that this was a defective engine and should have been recalled. They tell me it will cost 3-7 thousand to repair and I will still be getting a used "defective" engine and will be facing the same potential problem. Thank you in advance for your help. *tr 2/21/10 2003 updated 04/14/10.
Car is constantly over heating with only 68,000 miles. Two days ago while driving down the street it loses all power. Turns out there's a fuel pump issue.
Incident: engine failure/engine block leak in 2003 land rover freelander se3.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 land rover freelander. While driving at any speed, the vehicle completely shut down on at least four occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer each time. The dealer has never repaired the failure; therefore, the vehicle continues to shut off and get towed. The vehicle has been to the dealer at least seventeen times for the heating and cooling system. The passenger compartment smelled as if something were burning. A couple of times after shutting the vehicle down, the contact could hear the reservoir boiling. On several occasions, he noticed smoke coming from beneath the engine like steam. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer at least nine times regarding the thermostat and heating core. The vehicle has been to the dealer at least eleven times for the window motors. The vehicle is currently with the dealer after shutting off again. The contact has the repair invoices. The current mileage was 65,000 and failure mileage was 24,379.
Driving on freeway 65 miles an hour in the left lane attempting to pass a car. While accelerating, the car continued to lose speed. Had to maneuver my way to the right side of the freeway crossing 3 lanes of traffic in order to get to a safe place. Had the car towed to the dealership. We have been told that the engine blew up and it had to be replaced the cost of replacing the engine was more the replacement of the vehicle. The car only has a little over 60,000 miles on it and has been maintained on a regular basis. There was no warning that this might occur.
Vehicle was brought into the dealership multiple times for overheating. After the 4th time the car overheated and I lost all power as it caught on fire. I had to make a dangerous lane change across 4 lanes of highway while losing power. The engine was replaced in 2006 but the dealership said it was just over warranty. The vehicle still is having problems starting and is being towed to the mechanic again today.
Land rover freelander: the vehicle is a time bomb, at some point early in the vehicles life it will die on you while driving....you then have a very short time to get of the road before it locks up. It then becomes a money pit!!!
I got a land rover freelander with 51,996 miles on it. I had it in the shop over 25 time in 10 months! All for the same reason. The engine stopped on me going 30mph and I found out the engine had blown for the same reason I had it fixed for the last 25 times.
Car stalled in busy intersection. Speed limit 45. No, power, no brakes, wouldn't start. The check engine light came on. Timing cover, cam gear came apart & damaged the heads and pistons. Sublet oil cooler for clean & rod replaced motor.
Check engine light on, vehicle stalled & woud not start.
Check engine light on. Engine wont start.
Vehicle loses power, check engine light is on & stays on. Traction control light comes on & stays on.
Cruise control is not working, parking brake light stays on, vehicle stalled out while driving at highway speeds, heater core leaking. Took vehicle into dealership they replaced the leaking heater core, hose camshaft, anti freeze hose.
2003 freelander, will stall or come to a complete stop. Nothing works, no brakes, steering, everything locks up. I was on the freeway going about 75 MPH and my vehicle just stalled, this has happened on multiple occasions.
'03 land rover freelander s - fall '07 - losing coolant and vehicle was not running properly. Took it to mechanic and the heater core had to be replaced and check engine light turned off. $600 w/ parts and labor. Winter '07 -took to rover dealer to check it out b/c it just wasn't running well. It wouldn't accelerate properly and would often not start on first few tries. Dealer ran diagnostic and said it needed a new intake manifold, a few connector components and a new timing belt - total of over $2000 with parts and labor. Elected to have my father do the work and he ordered the parts online and installed himself taking many hours to figure it out. His cost was about $900 and he opted not to change the timing belt.
2003 land rover freelander hse, head gasket failure diagnosed by auto technician at dealership service department after reported smell of burnt coolant and visible radiator coolant in the engine-oil. Technician advised me this is problem is engine defect in head gasket stress bolts and location of thermostat. Engine overheats and oil in radiator system due to head gasket failure. Vehicle no longer functional, overheated due to no head gasket/cannot be fixed. Mechanic just advised me to try and trade it in when I purchase a new vehicle, as manufacturer discontinued model and also engine, not under warranty nor is product repairable (engine & vehicle discontinued , manufacturer has refused to help in any way).
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 land rover freelander. The contact stated that the vehicle began smoking heavily underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and completely shut off. The dealer stated that the coolant was mixing with the engine oil and the engine needed to be replaced. The engine model in the contact's vehicle has been discontinued. The dealer stated that they could order the engine, but there is a long waiting list and they do not know when it would arrive. The failure and current mileages were 37,000. Updated 05/19/08. *lj updated 05/19/08
03 land rover free lander. 85k miles engine died with no explanation. Towed to land rover dealer and they said that there is nothing they could do except put me on a waiting list for a new engine that would cost over $8000 to fix and could not guarantee that I would even get an engine at all. The truck is a total loss and I still have a loan to pay off. I am in shock over the fact that I no longer have a vehicle and land rover could not care less! After reading on and on about this same problem with every other owner it appears to me that land rover should be punished for selling such a vehicle! We as the consumers should also be compensated or justified for such a loss after putting faith into a well known "high end" company. I am willing to be a part of a class action lawsuit and I know there are many others willing to bring land rover to justice.
Like all other 2003 land rover freelanders it seems, mine has a blown head gasket, piston sleeve problems, and a potentially cracked head block, among other problems. This vehicle and its engine in particular has been a problem for almost everyone who has owned one.
Land rover deceived, defrauded, and continues to victimize me - an owner of a 2003 land rover freelander. Land rover diagnosed and acknowledged that the car they sold to me - the 2003 freelander has significant engine damage caused by a defect in the design of the engine and other key operating units - coolant and oil systems, brakes, etc. The defect in the design of the engine in the 2003 land rover freelander ultimately renders the car inoperable and results in total engine failure. Land rover refuses to recall this car off the us highways, and disclose the engine's defect to all 2003 freelander owners. Land rover advised that it is a matter of time before my car fails completely, and I should not be driving this car. It is now parked in my driveway. The car has been serviced by land rover numerous times (related to the problems with the defect in the design of the engine, coolant and oil systems, brakes, etc.) since I purchased the car. Land rover is and was aware of this defect in the 2003 freelander's engine, but failed to disclose it to me. Land rover has discontinued manufacturing the freelander models, therefore, not able to replace the defective engine with a new one as they state when you contact the headquarters. I last took the car to land rover parsippany in october 2007 where it stayed for approximately 7 weeks. Land rover parsippany further tampered with the car (it was making cranking noise in the engine when I picked it up in january - this noise was not there when I took the car to land rover in october - and they acknowledge this), and ordered me to pick it up from their lot after they refused to fix my car and make me whole. I have been mistreated, and lied to by land rover representatives thus causing me a lot of financial loss, physical and emotional trauma. I do not have the use of my 2003 freelander, but still make payments on this car. I struggle every day to get around since january 2008.
Vehicle shuts down while driving, dies when slowing down 1. 10/26/06-reset throttle 2. 10/29/06-replace wiring assembly, replace throttle body electrical connector. 3. 10/26/07-replace fuel pump gasket,replaced lh/front bank ignition coil, replaced spark plug.
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